Jowhar, Somalia
15 hours ago
Project Officer - VSLA - Jowhar

With 75 years of experience, our focus is on helping the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. We help children of all backgrounds, even in the most dangerous places.

Come join our 33,000+ staff working in nearly 100 countries and share the joy of transforming vulnerable children’s life stories!

Employee Contract Type:

Local - Fixed Term Employee (Fixed Term)

Job Description:

Project Officer- VSLA

The Role:

The Project Officer-VSLA is responsible for implementing the WVS VSLA program in Jowhar, ensuring all proposed objectives and targets are achieved. This role involves guiding the successful formation of VSLA activities, supporting formation of VSLA groups, and conducting reporting, monitoring, and evaluation. The officer supports the establishment, training, and daily management of VSLA groups to ensure their sustainability and effectiveness in promoting community-based savings, credit, and financial management.

Key Responsibilities:

Facilitate Timely, Accountable Project Planning, and Implementation;

Oversee the implementation of the WVS VSLA program in Jowhar.Ensure the achievement of all proposed objectives and targets.Provide guidance for the successful execution of VSLA activities.Support the formation and mobilization of new VSLA groups in target communities.Facilitate the establishment of effective group governance structures and ensure that groups are functioning according to best practices.Organize and facilitate initial meetings to kick-start the formation of new VSLA groups, ensuring that all members understand the objectives and benefits of the program.Assist in the development of group bylaws and rules to ensure clear guidelines for group operations and decision-making processes.Monitor the initial activities of new VSLA groups to ensure they are on track and provide timely interventions if needed.

Undertake Capacity Building and Mentoring of Communities; 

Provide training to community members on savings, loans, and financial management principles, as well as leadership and governance skills for VSLA groups.Organize refresher training sessions to ensure the ongoing functionality and sustainability of the VSLAs.Assist groups in developing action plans and strategies for improving their financial stability.Support the establishment, training, and daily management of VSLA groups to ensure their sustainability and effectiveness in promoting community-based savings, credit, and financial management.Facilitate the establishment of effective group governance structures and ensure that groups are functioning according to best practices.Conduct regular monitoring visits to VSLA groups to ensure proper implementation of group activities and adherence to financial guidelines.Provide technical support to VSLA groups, including troubleshooting challenges, improving operational practices, and ensuring proper record-keeping and financial documentation.

Timely Reporting, Effective Monitoring, and Documentation of Success Stories;

 Prepare regular reports on the progress, challenges, and impact of the VSLA project, including financial summaries and performance assessments.Document lessons learned and best practices to contribute to ongoing project improvements.Conduct regular monitoring visits to VSLA groups to ensure proper implementation of group activities and adherence to financial guidelines.Ensure that all VSLA groups are adhering to financial management standards, including maintaining transparent financial records.Document the progress of new VSLA groups and share success stories to inspire other communities to join the program.

Foster External Engagement to Promote Awareness of the Program, Support Fundraising Efforts, and Facilitate Coordination;

Work closely with community leaders, local government authorities, and other partners to support the integration of VSLAs into broader development initiatives.Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to link VSLA groups with other WVS programs and external financial services (e.g., banks, microfinance institutions).Raise awareness within the community about the benefits of savings and loan associations and financial empowerment.Support the identification and selection of community members for VSLA participation, focusing on vulnerable and marginalized groups.Collaborate with local leaders and community influencers to gain their support and endorsement for the VSLA programs

 Representation and internal & external coordination;

Conduct meeting with community leaders and the community during supervision visits to get feedback on the quality of the program and update them on the progress of activities.Work closely with community leaders, local government authorities, and other partners to support the integration of VSLAs into broader development initiatives.Participate in internal program integration and coordination meetings with other WVI sectors to ensure program integrationParticipate in the internal sector meetings and present the progress of project activities against targets

Essential:

A Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Business Administration, Economics or any other related fields.A professional qualification in Microfinance or Community Development is an advantage.Minimum of 3 years of experience in community development, financial inclusion, or microfinance, particularly with experience in VSLA or similar community-based savings programs.Proven experience in facilitating training programs and community-based capacity buildingFluency in English and SomaliStrong written and verbal communication skills for training, reporting, and engaging stakeholders.Capacity to work effectively with various stakeholders, including community leaders, local authorities, and NGOs.Experience in writing donor and internal reportsGood computer skill especially Microsoft office. Data management experience is an added advantage

Working Environment:

The position is field-based in Jowhar, Hirshabeele State with frequent travel to field operation areas required.

World Vision is a child-focused organization that is committed to safeguarding all children as well as adult beneficiaries, and has zero tolerance for incidents of violence or abuse against children or adults, including sexual exploitation or abuse, committed either by employees or others affiliated with our work. Therefore, World Vision does not hire staff whose background is not suitable for working with children or vulnerable adults, even if their role does not interact directly with them. World Vision adheres to strict child and adult safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks which will include criminal background checks. They will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Academic certificates will be verified with the issuing institutions

                            Female candidates are encouraged to apply
NB: Only attach your merged Application Letter & CV

Applicant Types Accepted:

Local Applicants Only
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